Hi Guys,
I have a Xbow with the std bar system. I'll need a new kite for Next season (too many smash downs instead of splash downs!)
I see lots of stuff about kites on this forum, but wonder who likes what bar systems. The Xbow has a pull/pull trim system, but I think I like the look of a below bar trim cleat....
Thanks.
no trim cleats for me thanks.
IMO the cabrinha bar ( 121 ) setup is one of the best. Trying to fiddle with trim cleats below the bar whilst powering through chop or whilst bobbing in the water can be awkward. Not to mention how they jam up or eventually the teeth wear the rope and then it barely holds at all. Lastly in my experience you have to hold a considerable amount of pressure in your hand while powering up the trim.
Cab setup is right in front of you, you can make very small adjustments it is just so easy. Only downside is if you regularly drop your bar in the sand it gets caught in the trim strap and whilst it does not jam it does start to wear and fray the seatbelt type material ( i have snapped two in 12 months ) I put my bar on my kite or my board problem solved. Actually maybe I should just stop fiddling with the strap.
I have ridden Slingshots and Cabrinhas for the 2 1/2 years that I have been kiting.
I prefer the Cabrinha setup with no pulleys on the bar (switchblade setup) because:
- More direct feel with no pulleys
- Less complication with no pulleys
- Prefer the plastic sleeve to the rope because of less wear
- Never had a problem with the trim strap - hardly ever need to adjust it while riding anyway unless the wind speed is very variable.
- Can clip my kite leash straight onto the plastic sleeve depower rope
That is my comparison of the bars - however you should consider the kites too. No use having a schmik bar and a crappy kite attached to it. I can more easily get over a few things that I don't like about a bar (as long as they are not safety related) than things I don't like about a kite.
As most people will say - test as many demos as possible before buying.
I love the Naish smart loop; It's super clean, super easy to trim, and can be fitted to the 2007 bar :D
During the 6 years I've been riding the best bar by far was a modified Flexifoil Strike 2 bar. It was modified with the Slingshot swivel that works perfectly, the Clam Cleet depower trim strap which is the most superior and easiest trim system ever, great chickenloop (that I actually still use for my modified atom bar) and just great. Great grip, size, easy wrap up and so on..
The only way for you to get the perfect bar is to modify it.. There will always be some things you love with one bar but most likely also something with that bar that you dislike
New North one is really great, has all the features i like, the only 1 small thing theyve gone backward on, is that the ironheart on this years does not swivel. Line quality is really good too. The new stopper works properly and the range of power/depower vs sheeting length is fully adjustable.
Im happy
